BUDGET Fixed Blades....What's Your Feelings on a Few of the SCHRADE Knives??

[Nalapombu]

Hey all,

I am looking for a budget fixed blade in the $50 range, maybe 2 with different length blades. I would want one in the 4-5 inch range and the other in the 6 to 7 inch range. I would be using them for when I go bow hunting in the thick stuff in Sam Houston National Forest here in Texas. Even though I will be hunting HOGS, I am NOT looking for a knife to HUNT with, as in ACTUALLY HUNT with. If I would use a knife on a hog it would be to take the backstraps off and remove the head for a European mount. That's all. I am NOT one of these guys that wants to kill a hog with a knife. I'm too much of a wussy for that stuff.
I also would have it for camping chores and such. Either of these blades would come in handy for any of the kind of stuff I might run into while out and about with my bow.
With all the other gear and licenses I have to buy too, I am not in a position to buy these awesome knives I see you guys talking about all the time. That's why I am looking at BUDGET blades.


I don't follow the brands and what's out there very much. I know a bit, but not a lot. I saw one of the SCHRADE survival type knives last week in Academy Sports for $19. It was the one that is like the Chris Reeve hollow handle knives of some years back. It looked and felt like a nice knife and the price looked good too, but I wasn't crazy about the blade style. I would've wanted to get the BOWIE style blade.


Anyway, in one of the other posts I saw some mention of some of the SCHRADE fixed blade knives so I went and checked them out. I watched some of the YouTube vids of them and looked on their website and some of the retailers sites too. These knives look very good to my eye and my wallet too. I don't know much about them though and would like to get some thoughts on them from you guys, the ones that can run rings around me in the knife knowledge world.

Here are some of the Schrade fixed blades that I am interested in getting your thoughts on:

1. Extreme Survival Clip Point SCHF3N - http://taylorbrandsllc.com/collecti...ll-tang-clip-point-fixed-blade-micarta-handle

2. Frontier Drop Point SCHF37M - http://taylorbrandsllc.com/collecti...tier-full-tang-drop-point-fixed-blade-knife-3

3. Extreme Survival Part Serrated SCHF3 - http://taylorbrandsllc.com/collecti...errated-clip-point-fixed-blade-micarta-handle

4. Frontier Drop Point SCHF36M - http://taylorbrandsllc.com/collecti...tier-full-tang-drop-point-fixed-blade-knife-1

5. Extreme Survival Drop Point SCHF9N - http://taylorbrandsllc.com/collecti...full-tang-drop-point-fixed-blade-tpe-handle-4

6. Frontier Drop Point SCHF38 - http://taylorbrandsllc.com/collecti...tier-full-tang-drop-point-fixed-blade-knife-4

7. Full Tang Clip Point SCHF30 - http://taylorbrandsllc.com/collecti...chrade-full-tang-clip-point-fixed-blade-knife

8. Extreme Survival Drop Point SCHF26 - http://taylorbrandsllc.com/collecti...l-full-tang-drop-point-fixed-blade-tpe-handle


I know it's a lot, but I thought I'd go ahead and put a link to the ones that I had looked at so I wouldn't have to come back with an "wait a sec...one or 2 more" kinda thing.

I like the looks of these knives and the prices on them seem to be in the $20 to $35 range for just about all of them which is certainly great for me and many others.


Of course I would also like to pick up 1 or 2 MORA knives too. How can you NOT have a couple of those when they are so cheap for a really good quality knife? I think a Model 1 would work nicely secured to the shoulder strap of my FINN Gas Mask bag that I carry spare gear in while I'm hunting, fishing or walking the woods.


Please give me your thoughts and suggestions on these and any others you think I should take a look at that you think might fit the bill for me.


Have a great weekend and thank you for your time and any help you can give me.

Nalajr

 

[aaron1972]

I have the shrade schf 36, 37, and 38. U can't go wrong for the price, they are built like tanks, 1095 carbon steel, don't have to worry about beating on them, I did strip the coating off of them though, it's crap, also the jimping is kinda aggressive, other then those two things I would definitely recommend them.

 

[ocnLogan]

So, this isn't really a comment about the knives, but more about the size ranges that you're talking about.

I have found that the 5-8inch range of fixed blade to be somewhat of an akward length for me and my uses. If I had just ONE knife, I might opt for a 6in blade. But in a place where I know I'll be carrying more than one knife, I find that I'd rather have one a fair bit smaller, and a fair bit larger than that. So, if I were you, I may consider if the 6-7in blade is enough larger than the 4-5in blade to justify it. I'm not making any decisions for you, just letting you know its worth thinking about .

Myself, I carry a Mora, a BK9, and a folding saw. That seems to do just about everything I need, for how I camp. And I applaud you for choosing a Mora, I think its a great way to learn what you want in a knife, in a package thats cheap, reliable, and useful.

Now, as far as the specific models? I actually have no experience in any Schrade knives. I hear they're doing pretty well though, enough that I think they're a decent buy for those that are looking in that price range.

I tend to prefer carbon steel and drop points on my outdoor knives. It looks like many of the knives you linked to are 8Cr13Mov (stainless steel). I'd prefer the versions in 1095 myself.

Anyway, I know there are a few guys around here that really like their Schrades, so I'm sure they'll offer better input than I have .

Good luck with the search.

 

[Boris74]

I have the SCHF37 and SCHF26. Both perform much better than the price suggests. Only thing is I wish I would have got the SCHF37M with the 8cr13mov steel like the SCHF26 has. My 26 keeps the edge more than twice as long and is still easy to sharpen. It's just as tough too. A couple trips in the rain and the 1095 was rusting where I wore the finish off of it. Both are great performers.

I do prefer the slightly shorter F26 though, that blade just does awesome in the woods and chops branches out of the way just as good. The F37 does come with a diamond stone that works great for field touch ups. The ferro rod that comes with it throws the best sparks of any knife when I use the finger choil to strike it on.

I find myself carrying the F26 more and use the F37 more as a truck knife or heavier working knife when needed. Over all you aren't going to hurt either one.

If you want larger get the F37M in the stainless. The edge will last way longer and still be easy to sharpen when you need to. If shorter is ok then the F26 is the most perfect heavy use knife I have used in a long time and it carries easier.

 

[garytelecastor]

I know that I may be late in adding to this thread but I have a couple of ideas that you might want to keep in mind.

I own the very first shrade buck knife that I ever bought. It has hunted with me since 1978. I have found it to be very reliable and keep a good edge.
I use it mainly for gutting.

I also own a SCHF3 and as B74 said they are an all around good blade for the price. The thing is that Taylor has introduced new designs into the line, starting in 2016, to the 36 and 37 with the SCHF 51 SCHF51M and SCHF52 SCHF52M.

Take a look:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0obliAWWicc

They have done some mods that address all of the previous issues.
Anyway, it might be worth it to wait til' these come out, is my suggestion.

 

[Boris74]

I know that I may be late in adding to this thread but I have a couple of ideas that you might want to keep in mind.

I own the very first shrade buck knife that I ever bought. It has hunted with me since 1978. I have found it to be very reliable and keep a good edge.
I use it mainly for gutting.

I also own a SCHF3 and as B74 said they are an all around good blade for the price. The thing is that Taylor has introduced new designs into the line, starting in 2016, to the 36 and 37 with the SCHF 51 SCHF51M and SCHF52 SCHF52M.

Take a look:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0obliAWWicc

They have done some mods that address all of the previous issues.
Anyway, it might be worth it to wait til' these come out, is my suggestion.

Another suggestion I will add is if you plan on using it hard avoid the micarta scales. The ones they use are weak and break easy. Looks like they use paper or cardboard instead of an actual material. When you contact them to buy some scales they don't sell or stock scales. They will replace the knife though, I'd rather keep a proven blade than gamble on a new one, and that goes for any brand. Both of mine wear the TPE scales and they are tough. Mine are beat up and I'd love to buy a new set but that isn't going to happen, oh well, but the TPE are far more durable than their Micarta scales are. A few days ago I had mine bent out and dragging along a log as I batoned with my F26. They are chewed up but they went right back to shape. The models with the choil give you some stand off, but you still need to keep in mind they aren't as tough. I'm glad I got the TPE.

 

[155440]

Perhaps the buck 119? It's in your price range.

 

[gadunz]

Another archer hunting pigs alone .

With no dogs to stop a wounded pig charging. Bring along a friend who has 2 good dogs & a spear. Beats dying from a severed leg artery.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...d-You-Pack-and-Use-One/page3?highlight=artery

From NZ, a country keen on knifing wild pigs, get a Svord Economy skinner, or cheaper (plastic handle) kiwi skinner.

 

[lupus55]

I can understand the sentiment, but seriously hope in addition to someone as a backup, you at least carry some close up tool, Tomahawk, pick or heavy knife when you go looking for the bloody tuskers. Not sure about the grunter in the states, but here in Oz those devils can be on you in seconds if you make a mistake.
As far as the Schrade Option goes, I have SCHF37 that I have stripped and softened up the finger ripping jimping some. Works well but I am not convinced as to the 58-60 Rockwell. It sharpens a bit too easy for that. My BK2 takes a hell of a lot more effort in the Edgepro to get an edge. But I know the BK will field dress a Holder (Holden is an Aussie Car). I think the Schrade would cut off a mudguard if I needed to , but I wouldn't want to have to shave with the mongrel afterwards. (Oops Mudguard is Aussie for fender I believe)

 

[gadunz]

A fender is a bumper bar. or a guitar. A mudguard is a mudguard.

 

[timbo813]

Do a little research on the becker BK15. It's deeply discounted right now and would be excellent for what you describe. Still a little more than the schrade's but not much.

I've never had a schrade. I have heard they are good knives for the price but still a step down from something like a Becker or ESEE.

Definitely get that Mora. Best fixed blade for the price for sure.

 

[Boris74]

Do a little research on the becker BK15. It's deeply discounted right now and would be excellent for what you describe. Still a little more than the schrade's but not much.

I've never had a schrade. I have heard they are good knives for the price but still a step down from something like a Becker or ESEE.

Definitely get that Mora. Best fixed blade for the price for sure.

The BK15 smokin deals are done. Many places are now sold out, best I found last week was $77.00. Only step down from a Becker is price and you get better scales and sheath with an Esee so you're Atleast getting something for the higher price tag there.

Mora/Hultafors is pretty much a requirement for anyone who spends time outdoors and at the price you pay and the work you get out of them they are pretty much free.

 

[Inazone]

No follow-up comments or questions from the OP, so not sure that he's still coming back to this, but there are some spot-on suggestions here. Considering the price point and the diverse models in Schrade's fixed blade line, it would be worthwhile to compare prices and features to some Ontario knives too, especially the Spec Plus series. Those are all 1095 or 5160 carbon steel, so combined with a stainless Schrade, you'd have a good pair. I think it's also worth considering which knife (in a pair) would realistically see the most use, and thus more exposure to the elements vs. contact with wood, bone, even an accidental rock. No doubt, 1095 is tough stuff, but it's entirely possible that you could get through a hunting trip without needing a particularly tough knife. On the other hand, no need beating on your general purpose hunting/camping knife if the situation calls for something a bit more robust. My main all-things-outdoors knife is an older Schrade XT2B in "SCHRADE+" stainless (various sources claim some type of 420 or 440) and I love it, but I did try to baton with it and bent the tip. Totally unnecessary, but I didn't take the time to grab a more appropriate chopper. On the other hand, I loaned my wife two knifes - a stainless Gerber and a carbon Mora - for a canoeing/camping trip with her friends. Both saw use, but the Mora was used to clean fish and wasn't properly tended to, even though I pointed out that it needed to be wiped off and sheathed. It came back to me badly rusted after one week of exposure. In each situation, the wrong tool was used when the right one was available.

There's also the matter of protecting yourself. Most hunters I know carry a handgun of some sort, regardless of what they're hunting, and whether with rifle or bow. That would be a good starting point. I would also want a knife with some reach, solid grip, and tough steel, especially against an angry hog. You may not think you need it, but I wouldn't want to be without. I'd probably pick up an Ontario SP6.

 

[Revolverrodger]

OKC makes excellent budget priced knives

 

[gadunz]

There's also the matter of protecting yourself. Most hunters I know carry a handgun of some sort, regardless of what they're hunting, and whether with rifle or bow. That would be a good starting point. I would also want a knife with some reach, solid grip, and tough steel, especially against an angry hog. You may not think you need it, but I wouldn't want to be without. I'd probably pick up an Ontario SP6.

Oops, force of habit , the Aussie & I are from countries where only cops are allowed handguns.
Svord Deluxe Pig Sticker & Hog Beater

 

[22-rimfire]

I think you'll probably do okay with the Schrade possibles. I don't own a Taylor Schrade knife, only older ones. The BK-15 is a good suggestion. Have not shopped price in the last week or so, so maybe the discounted ones are gone and you're looking at older stock that had not sold and priced the "old price".

Knife size is important and definitely a fixed blade. Hogs stink. I would not get a knife larger than a 5" blade (+/-) unless you know that you're comfortable using a larger one for hunting. In Sam Houston NF (East Texas), I'd get myself a good machete to go along with the knife for brush and general wacking around your "stand". You might even consider about a 4" fixed blade for using and carry the machete. The BK-16 would be a good choice and I suspect Schrade makes something similar for less money. You'll probably use the machete more. Kinda hard with a bow. Look at the Condor machetes as they have a real nice leather sheath with most and the sheath is worth some bucks.

 

[timbo813]

The BK15 smokin deals are done. Many places are now sold out, best I found last week was $77.00. Only step down from a Becker is price and you get better scales and sheath with an Esee so you're Atleast getting something for the higher price tag there.

Mora/Hultafors is pretty much a requirement for anyone who spends time outdoors and at the price you pay and the work you get out of them they are pretty much free.

The big river site has them for $43 shipped. Does look like many places are running out though.

 

[fsatsil]

The big river site has them for $43 shipped. Does look like many places are running out though.

Was just about to say the same thing I saw them for $43 this morning on the river site. The BK5 is also deeply discounted right now.

 

[rustyrazor]

and after all that... for the price, yes get the schrade (or three of them at that price) they are pretty well put together for what you're paying.

 

[NJBillK]

Over those listed, I would take a Becker bk15, a mora, or a condor, as well.